New member - Canberra

[andtan]

Hi everyone,

Thought I'd better introduce myself seeing as I've clocked up over 8 hours of forum time. My name is Andy, and I live in Canberra.

I've decided it's about time to get a Pinball (or two) again. I used to have a Tommy, and Cactus Jack, but due to moving and a lack of space I had to give them up, which is something I now regret.

Initially I was just considering saving up for a couple of machine to play (The Getaway HSII and Star Trek - TNG), but after reading quite a few posts, and looking at the work you guys do, I have decided I'd also like to try my hand at a bit of restore work. If I could only do half as well as some of the examples I've seen, I'd be happy!

I don't have any experience in restoration and repair, so I've been reading as many posts as I can to build up some background knowledge. At the moment I'm trying to work out what would be a good machine to start on - something that I can actually get parts for and have a real good chance at finishing. I saw an F-14 Tomcat on e-Bay, but think my desire might be outweighing my ability at this point. Any advice on what to stay away from etc would be most appreciated.

Hopefully I can find a suitable machine to start off on soon, and I look forward to picking your collective minds for some tips.... er, well it's probably going to be more than 'tips' for a while!!

Cheers,

Andy

[pinballheaven]

Welcome Andy

You will find all the help and information you need here on the forum. There are some extremely talented people here(unfortunately I am not one of them ) that can assist you if you were to tackle a restoration!

Anyway good luck.

Jeff

[andtan]

Thanks for the welcome Jeff,

I have noticed that the guys on here are quite helpful and often go the extra mile to help out - something you don't see too much of these days.

Andy

[Strangeways]

  Andy and  to Aussie Pinball !


Great intro post. Getaway would be a great machine to revisit pinball. ST TNG is a good player, but quite difficult for your first game (from a restoration point of view). Really depends on your budget and availability of games in your area. Maybe buy a working game to play and enjoy (initially), and then as your knowledge increases, it will give you confidence to buy a project game.

anyway - enjoy the forum - we share the knowledge and passion !

[swinks]

Welcome Andy,
Definitely alot of very helpful people here as you have noticed. I agree with Nino (Strangeways) about getting a player and then a resto machine so you have something to play, enjoy and keep you motivated and then a 2nd resto machine to work on over a period.
Look forward to hearing what machine/s you get.
Jady

[pinnies4me]

Welcome Andy! I agree as well- a player and a project is a great way to go. If you keep to the same board set that can be very helpful in tracking down problems.

[andtan]

Hi Strangeways / Swinks,

I agree, I'm definately looking at getting one in good condition that I play first up, then after that one to work on. ST TNG wasn't going to be a restorer - just thinking about trying to tackle something like that makes my head spin

[andtan]

Welcome Andy! I agree as well- a player and a project is a great way to go. If you keep to the same board set that can be very helpful in tracking down problems.

Hi pinnies4me,

As I'd like to get a Getaway HSII for my player, would you be able to list some titles that have the same board set, and would be a suitable 'beginners' project machine? I suppose as part of increasing my knowledge, I should ask my first nooby question - what board set does a Getaway have?

Andy

[Steevsee]

Hi Andy and welcome to the forum.

[pinnies4me]

All these would be identical to HS2 I think -
Black Rose
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Doctor Who
Fish Tales
Twilight Zone
White Water

[Pintoxicated]

Hi and welcome.  Take your time and don't rush into anything would be my advice. There are a fair few guys that have machines in Canberra, hopefully an opportunity will come up to get to know a few. Steer clear of the local retailer/s. Good place to go and have a look at some machines but check with the guys here before parting with any cash. Best place to buy a machine would be off a member if possible.

[ajlaird]

Welcome to the forum!

Getaway is a great fast machine and is a lot of fun to own.

Probably Black Rose would be cheapest of those listed with the same MPU.

[ktm450]

 

[oldpins]

  & 

[goodolddays]

  and have fun here .